WARRINGTON Borough Council has given the green light to turn a former hotel into flats.

Planning permission has been granted in order to turn Heathside Guest House in Bewsey into a 14-bedroom house in multiple occupation.

The currently vacant B&B on Froghall Lane sold for £250,000 at auction back in June.

Developer MBB Ventures Ltd’s application for planning permission stated: “The property in its current state has fire damage in the basement and is in a poor condition throughout.

“The applicant plans to renovate the entire property to an extremely high standard.

“By converting the building, the applicant is making the most of an existing structure on a large site which may otherwise fall into disrepair.

“Whilst the building is not listed and has been extended in a piecemeal manner over the years, it does retain some architectural character – which adds to the overall character of the borough’s built heritage.

“Additionally, there is a recognised demand for the type of accommodation the applicant aims to provide – which will contribute positively to the needs of local people wanting to live and work in the area.”

Consent for the scheme was given on Thursday, December 5.